Matt Kuchar's early approach to Merion Golf Club may prove to be a significant advantage.

"I was here last Tuesday," said Kuchar, the 2013 Memorial winner who's considered one of the top contenders at the 113th U.S. Open that opens Thursday at Merion. "It was great to have a quiet day to do what I wanted to do. I had a local guy with me to give me tips and I got some help from the assistant pros as well."How much of the U.S. Open will you watch?And that meant Kuchar could skip the stormy days this week at Merion.

"I had the good fortune not to be here Monday," Kuchar said.

Kuchar, who is the only multiple-winner on the PGA Tour not named Tiger Woods, said even last week the course was not fast, but still a challenge.

"This is a very difficult golf course," he said. "The greens are receptive, very comfortable for a U.S. Open course, but if you're in the rough you have no chance of scoring."